One year later, Merritt’s only shelter calming concerns, looking to expand services

The Nicola Valley Shelter and Support Society (NVSSS) operates the only shelter in Merritt, providing 40 beds for the community’s most vulnerable, including six recovery and transitional beds for those looking to take the next step in their journey. The facility also expands with 10 additional beds during periods of extreme cold weather.

Just over a year ago, NVSSS set up shop at the old Knights Inn Motel in the east end of town. They did so amid loud concern from the neighbourhood. That uproar has since quieted.

“It really takes a lot of transparency and accountability working in this field, because you really want to make people understand what you are trying to achieve,” said NVSSS Executive Director Nyasha Manyanye. “We are here to solve the problem that is in the community, so we are here for the solutions, not to create more problems.”

Mayor Mike Goetz has admitted his council took a tongue-lashing during public meetings on the shelter plan from BC Housing, but agreed communication has been key ever since.

“We have a good working relationship, and I hope it continues. I know everybody is working well together, and as I say, there are some hiccups, but it gets dealt with very quickly,” said Goetz. “Whereas before we really had nobody manning the ship on the other one, and that is a completely different situation.

“And you can see when you have good management and good communication, something that was very controversial can actually work in everyone’s favour.”

Along with communication, Goetz credits some of the rules at the facility for keeping things running smoothly, including a curfew and the need to be registered. His largest concern remains around the future.

“This is not a permanent solution. This is a temporary solution. Next year at this time, we will be having a talk, whether it’s been renewed or it hasn’t been,” Goetz told CFJC News. “For me, that $2 million for two years, that money could be better well spent on a permanent situation.”

The society is focused on finding Merritt solutions to the challenges, understanding that one size does not fit all.

“Because the homelessness situation we are facing in Merritt right now, it’s the entire community’s challenge, so we want solutions that come from the community and feedback,” explained Manyanye. “As much as we work with our key partners in BC Housing, we also want to make sure that the solutions we are providing are meant for this community, so we do a lot of community engagement.”

The shelter and support society has received a temporary use permit for the old Merritt Lodge, located across the street from the shelter, in the hopes of expanding their services, looking to bring a recovery focused, dry program to Merritt.

“There is always a way out of homelessness. I think this supportive, sober living program is going to help some of the folks here to get their lives back — to get those life skills, employment skills and be reintegrated back in the community and just have their lives back,” said Manyanye.